Chapter 8
Briar shung her backpack over her shoulder and bolted from school, only to nearly crash into her parents and Imani at the gate.
Imani was glued to Louise’s arm, giggling like they were BFFs.
As the school’s queen bee, Imani had every head turning her way.
Briar rolled her eyes and kept walking, pretending they didn’t exist.
“Briar! Imani called out
Louise’s face twisted. “Imani, why waste your breath on her? She’s a trainwreck. One slip, and she’ll drag you down with her.”
Imani’s voice dripped with sweetness. “Mom, relax. We’re family now. Briar’s just got a bit of a wild streak. Don’t be too harsh”
Louise scoffed. “Wild? If she had half your smarts, I wouldn’t be popping Tums like candy?”
Imani flashed Briar a warm smile, softening her tone. “Hey, Briar, if school gets tough, I’m here for you.”
Imani was practically campus royalty, and with Briar’s killer looks, the crowd couldn’t look away.
Briar was ov
was over it but slapped on a fake grin. “Wow, Imani, you’re really piling on the makeup today, huh?
Imani froze. After Briar had smacked her around a few days ago, her face was still swollen, faint handprints barely hidden under layers of concealer,
Briar leaned in, voice low. “Don’t wanna look like a fool in front of everyone! Then stop stirring up drama.”
“You linde-“Louise started to snap, but the nosy crowd made her bite her tongue
Briar smirked, done with these people who made her skin crawl, and strutted off without a glance back.
“What a brat!” Louise hissed through clenched teeth.
Imani dabbed at her eyes, milking the moment. “Mom, let it go. It’s my fault. Don’t you and Dad have that work thing! Go handle it.”
Louise remembered the office mess, frowned, and grabbed Imant’s hand. “Anyone gives you grief at school, you tell me, okay? I’ll deal with it.”
“Mom, I’m fine. Everyone’s chill here, Imani said with a sweet smile,
“Just steer clear of Briar. Don’t let her walk all over you again”
Imani nodded. “Got it, More. I’m good.
Louise shot her a worried look before hopping into the car with Martin and speeding off.
Imani hung back, and her usual crew of girls swooped in
“Imani, who was that chick Total attituder
“For real, your mom’s right. She’s got no manners
Imani’s big eyes got all teary as she wiped them. That’s Briar. My parents adopted her.
“Four years ago, after.. you know, that drama, they sent her abroad to study. She just got back.”
The girls gasped, one covering her mouth.
“No way!
She’s the ОПЕ
who messed you up back then?”
“She did you dirty! Why would your parents take in someone like that?”
he’s got major issues–total psycho vibes. She’s gonna make your life hell at Lancaster High
“No way we’re letting her slide! Someone like that doesn’t belong here. I’m telling everyone who she really is!”
A silver Bentley sat parked near Limond University, gleaming under the streetlights.
Chapter 8
Briar checked the license plate on her phone, nodded, and hopped into the passenger seat,
“Whoa.” Enzo gawked at the girl in a white tee and jeans, her face way too stunning for this job.
“You’re from the International Medical Research Institute?” he asked.
She looked like a typical college kid. Okay, maybe not typical–her looks were straight–up fire.
“What institute? “Briar patted her backpack, chill as ever. “Just a Limond freshman here, slingin packages for some extra bucks.”
She eyed Enzo, squinting. “This ain’t some shady deal, right? I’m a student, man. If that box is trouble, I’m callin the cops, like, now”
“Hold up!“Enzo, already suspicious, threw his hands up. “It’s just meds for a cut. Nothin‘ weird, promise.”
“Cool, we’re good then.” Briar clutched her backpack, letting out a big sigh.
Enzo watched her scule in like she owned the car. “Yo, just gimme the package.”
“No dice Briar shook her head. “Boss says the real buyer’s gotta sign.”
Enzo groaned. That’s me, alright I’m the guy.”
Briar gave him a side–eye, then whipped out her phone and snapped a pic.
“What the hell!” Enzo’s face darkened
“Chill,” Briar said, rolling her eyes. “You say you’re the buyer, but I gotta cover my ass. This pic’s goin‘ to my boss so I don’t get burned.”
Click The flash nearly blinded Enzo,
His head throbbed. Is the International Medical Research Institute going under! Who hires this weirdo for deliveries!
But staring at Briar’s young, innocent face, Enzo took a deep breath. “Got your pic. Can I have the meds now?”
“Nope.” Briar shook her head again.
Enzo looked ready to lose it. “What now?”
She shoved her phone at him. “Put your number in. If this goes sideways, I need someone to track down.”
Enzo gritted his teeth, typed in his digits, and handed the phone back.
“Ow!” A sharp sting hit his finger. He glanced down–a cracked corner of the phone screen, now smeared with his blood.
Briar smirked. “Yeah, my phone’s trashed. But this gig’s pay? New phone, here I come”
“We good now!” Enzo growled, barely holding it together.
Briar nodded, smug, and pulled a small box from her backpack. “Here’s your stuff. Peace out
With a sly grin, she hopped out and watched the Bentley speed off.
Moments later, a rusty old Volkswagen screeched to a stop beside her. The window slid down, revealing Atticus’s chiseled, no–nonsense face.
He asked, “Snake, you find the guy?”
Briar slid in, chuckling, “Close”
“Spill it.”
Briar slipped a clear evidence bag from her backpack, tucking the phone inside. “Got fingerprints that ain’t mine, blood on the screen, a pic in the gallery, and a traceable number. Run this dude’s ID
Silicone masks were legit these days–she hadn’t spotted anything off up close, but better play it safe. Prints, blood. something’s gotta he real
“Nice. Crashing at my place?” Atticus asked.
“Nah” Briar stepped out, shaking her head. “Back to campus?
Atticus’s eyes bugged out. “You’re really doin‘ the college thing?”
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Chapter 8
He couldn’t wrap his head around it–the top boss of Strucze’s District 21, the queen of mercenaries, playing college girl.
Limond University was in for a wild ride.
Briar grinned. “It’s a damn good cover. That doofus back there didn’t suspect a thing, did hel
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